Ave train ride was super easy and we didn't waste any time. Taxi'd to the hotel, dropped off the bags and headed out to see some sights. The center of the universe here in Seville is the Cathedral. If you ever get lost (and you will....) go back to center, the Cathedral and you should be able to find your way. We went straight to the Cathedral so could get my bearings and it's exactly as I remember. Massive, very 'old' but a powerful presence. There are ladies who circle the church holding fresh rosemary and 'offering' them to you as good luck. Then they accost you for money and are very aggressive about it. So far only once has one of them gotten too close, in my space and after 3 or 4 loud NO's did I have to give her a little shove. Can't wait for more!
I remembered there were 2 pastry shops with large and long cases that went on forever filled with Andalusian goodies. Stuff I'd never seen before. Found one of them but kept walking cause we were thirsty and looking for something to drink. Did I mention there is booze everywhere all the time? Wallah we came across the other pastry shop! It was across the street from a place Amanda and I had lunch one afternoon and we had the most amazing bottle of wine - El Buzo. Anyway we stepped into the pastry shop, Jud ordered a pitcher of sangria and I went to pick out some goodies. Jud announcing he was not hungry again......riiiight...... As soon as I sat down, he was all over them! Some kind of yellow cake with chocolate frosting cut into a rectangle and this other thing shaped like an giant orange slice, 2 layers of cake with orange goo in the middle drenched in sugar glaze. That was lunch..... Managed to accidentally make my way into then kitchen looking for the bathroom. That caused a stir, but I immediately knew I was in the wrong place!
Zooming from sangria and sugar we walked to the bull ring where you can tour the Matador museum and the bull ring. The tour guide walks you through the history of bull fighting, the traditions, superstitions and eventually into the bull ring itself. Another overwhelming site. Bull fights run from April through the 2nd week of October so there was no chance of actually seeing one.
It was 90 degrees, hot, sunny and time for a siesta. Everything is within decent walking distance which makes things easy. Finding the hotel - not so much. The streets are narrow, most of them don't cars. Scooters, yes and you need to make sure and find an alcove, steps or plant yourself up against the wall of a building so you don't get hit. Our hotel is in the deep bowels of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. The twistiest maze of streets encountered so far. Getting lost is part of the beauty cause there are little restaurants everywhere. Stop, have a cerveza, a nosh and ask for directions. English is definitely not spoken here so well - they just yell something loudly and you have no idea what they just said. After about an hour of maneuvering through the cobblestone maze we finally found the hotel. I can not even begin to describe the room. You will need to wait for photos. But instead of climbing over Jud in a double bed and taking 1 step to the bathroom the size of a broom closet, we have a giant bed, room and the potty is nicer then the one I have at home.
We got out for dinner around 8ish when most people are venturing out for the evening. Again, the streets are full of people outside, sidewalks full of tables, people eating, standing, drinking and having an overall good time. We came upon a little place which caught our eye so we sat down. To clarify, in Spain - you don't need to check in with a cranky host/hostess, you pick your seat and just sit down. It's yours and someone shows up to take your drink order.
We ordered oxtail stew, garlic prawns, grilled goat cheese w/honey and bacon wrapped tenderloin on sticks. Another incredible meal.
Seville is for strolling so we did just that for the next few hours.
Today is another sunny and 90 degree day. Stay tuned!
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